Day 5: Embracing Patience and Love for All

Ministering to messy people ultimately requires immense patience and a refusal to retaliate. It is about affection, not retaliation. We are called to tenderly and gently lead others, loving them as God has loved us, and trusting Him with the results. This patient love reflects the heart of Christ, who came not for the righteous but for sinners, to call us out of our mess and into His marvelous light.

See that no one repays anyone evil for evil, but always seek to do good to one another and to everyone. (1 Thessalonians 5:15, ESV)

Reflection: Considering your own journey from messiness to grace, how can you more intentionally extend patient, non-retaliatory love to a difficult person in your life, leaving the results to God?